A MUSICAL instrument made an appearance at a “resoundingly successful” religious service with a difference.

Twelve lay leaders held a service at the East London and Essex Liberal Synagogue in South Woodford on Saturday, March 17.

It was the first time worshippers held a service without a rabbi.

Ben Glassman, joint chairman of the rites and practises committee says: "This was a bit of an experiment but turned out a resounding success. One lay leader surprised everyone by producing a guitar.

“We weren't necessarily looking to repeat this approach to leading a service but so many members asked when the next one was we'd better get on with it.”